Priyanka Sadhukhan , Nutritionist, CDE, Reviewer & Writer
Are you spending a lot of time in the gym but still not able to bulk up your muscle? All you need is proper physical training along with weight-gain protein shakes to build lean muscle mass.
Whey protein is effective in adding lean muscle mass and aiding in weight gain when combined with resistance training (1). But, have you wondered which protein shake is good for you? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of the best weight-gain protein supplements that you can choose from to get the best results. Scroll up!
12 Best Protein Shakes For Weight Gain
1. Optimum Nutrition (ON) Serious Mass Protein Powder Supplement
Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Protein Powder Supplement is the ultimate weight-gain formula that provides sufficient calories needed for muscle recovery. It provides 1250 kcal of energy, 250 g of carbs, and 50 g of protein per serving. It is a blend of whey protein concentrate, calcium caseinate, egg whites, and sweet whey. It also contains 500 mg of glutamine, 3 g of creatine, glutamic acid, and a blend of 25 different vitamins and minerals.
How To Prepare
Add 2 full scoops (336 g) of ON Serious Mass Protein Powder to 24 fl. oz. of cold water, milk, or any other beverage and blend for 30-45 seconds until completely dissolved.
When To Drink
It can be taken between meals, after weight training, and before bed.
Pros
- Available in different flavors
- Supports muscle building
- Aids weight gain
- Ideal post-workout supplement
- Replenishes the glycogen store in your body
Cons
- Not vegetarian
- Not suitable for people with lactose intolerance
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2. Dymatize Super Mass Gainer High Protein & Carb Blend
Dymatize Super Mass Gainer contains both whey protein and casein to support muscle and weight gain. It provides 1310 kcal of energy and 245 g of carbs (per serving) for glycogen synthesis. This protein shake is loaded with 52 g of a fast, medium, and slow-digesting protein and 10.7 g of branched-chain amino acids per serving, including leucine for muscle protein synthesis.
The vitamins and minerals in it help nourish healthy muscle tissue and improve muscle recovery.
How To Prepare
Add 2 heaping scoops of Dymatize Super Mass Gainer to in 24-32 fl. oz. of water or 32 fl. oz. of whole milk. Blend it for 30-45 seconds. You can use ice cubes, fruits, or other ingredients for taste enhancement.
When To Drink
It can be taken between meals or after a workout to build muscle strength.
Pros
- Available in different flavors
- Provides immediate and continuous muscle fuel
- Creatine improves strength and endurance
Cons
- Not suitable for people with lactose intolerance
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3. Orgain Organic Protein Plant-Based Protein Powder
Orgain Organic Protein Plant-Based Protein Powder is a low-calorie and low-carb weight-gain protein supplement. It contains 21 g of protein, 5 g of carbs, and 5 g of fiber. It is completely vegan. It contains organic pea protein, organic brown rice protein, and organic chia seeds.
How To Prepare
Mix 2 scoops (46g) of this plant-based protein powder in 8-10 fl. oz. of water or almond milk and shake in a shaker bottle. You may also use a blender.
When To Drink
It can be taken between meals to provide energy.
Pros
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Non-GMO
- No added sugar
- Lactose-free
Cons
- Contains soy
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4. Optimum Nutrition (ON) Pro Gainer High-Protein Weight Gainer Powder
Optimum Nutrition (ON) Pro Gainer High-Protein Weight Gainer is a high-protein formula with sufficient calories for muscle recovery. Each serving provides 650 kcal of energy, 65 g of protein, 85 g of carbs, and 22 vitamins and minerals.
It contains a blend of whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, calcium caseinate, egg whites, whey peptides, and whey glutamine peptides that support muscle mass gain and post-workout recovery.
How To Prepare
Mix 2 scoops (120 g) of this protein powder with 24 fl. oz. of water, milk, or any other beverage. Blend it for 35-45 seconds in a blender until the powder dissolves completely.
When To Drink
Drink this weight-gain shake between meals or as a post-workout protein supplement.
Pros
- Available in different flavors
- Useful for muscle recovery
- Prevents wear and tear of muscles
Cons
- Contains wheat, milk, soy, and gluten
- Not suitable for people with lactose intolerance
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5. Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein Powder
Bodybuilding.com Signature 100% Whey Protein Powder is a low-carb and low-fat protein powder. It is easy to digest and a source of powerful branched-chain amino acids. It is made of 3 types of whey protein for muscle growth and recovery. Each serving contains 25 g of protein that is a blend of 13 g of whey isolate (52%), 6 g of whey concentrate (24 g), and 6 g of whey hydrolysate (24%). The digestive enzymes found in whey protein make this shake get absorbed quickly by the body and enhance amino-acid uptake.
How To Prepare
Mix one scoop (34 g) of this protein powder with 6 fl. oz. of water, milk, fruit juice, or any other healthy beverage.
When To Drink
Take it as a post-workout shake to enhance muscle recovery.
Pros
- Available in different flavors
- Easy to digest
Cons
- Not suitable for people with lactose intolerance
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6. Quest Nutrition Protein Powder
Quest Nutrition Protein Powder is a delicious naturally flavored protein supplement that provides 30 g of protein, 2 g of carbs, and 160 kcal of energy per serving. It is made with a milk protein concentrate with 9 essential amino acids. This protein supplement not only helps in muscle building but also provides energy and stamina throughout the day.
How To Prepare
Mix 2 scoops of this protein powder with 6 oz. of water, milk, or any other beverage. You can blend it with slices of fruits and ice cubes for better taste.
When To Drink
It can be taken between meals for stamina and energy.
Pros
- Available in different flavors
- Low-calorie
- Low-fat
- No added sugar
Cons
- Not suitable for people with lactose intolerance
7. MuscleTech Mass Tech Scientifically Superior Mass Gainer
MuscleTech Mass Gainer Protein Powder provides optimum protein and calories to make you gain weight. It is an advanced formula packed with 80 g of a fast, medium, slow-digesting protein, 1010 kcal of energy, and 155 g of carbs per serving. It helps you gain muscle mass, build strength, and increase the size of your muscles by breaking the muscle-growth plateau.
This formula’s protein supplies 8 g of L-leucine and 17 g of branched-chain amino acids when mixed with 2 cups of skimmed milk. It also provides 10 g of creatine per serving, which boosts your physical performance in short to high-intensity workout.
The carbohydrate formula in this protein powder helps build muscle strength post-workout, reduces muscle fatigue, and replenishes glycogen stores.
How To Prepare
Mix 5 scoops (1 serving) of this protein powder with 16 fl. oz. of water or skim milk and blend well.
When To Drink
On workout days, take this protein shake during or after training. On non-workout days, either take it between meals or as an early morning shake to fill up your stomach.
Pros
- Available in different flavors
- Easy to digest
- Does not make you feel bloated
Cons
- Not suitable for people with lactose intolerance
8. BSN True-Mass 1200 Protein Powder
BSN True-Mass 1200 Protein Powder is a great weight-gain powder that delivers high-quality calories to help your grow. Its ultra-premium protein and carb matrix helps build strength and stamina.
True-Mass 1200 contains 50 g of protein, 25 g of essential amino acids, 215 g of high-quality carbs, and 1220 kcal of energy. It is made of whey protein concentrate, calcium caseinate, milk protein isolate, whey protein isolate, micellar casein, hydrolyzed whey protein, egg whites, and glutamine peptides. The branched-chain amino acids (11 g/serving) and other non-essential amino acids in it help build muscle mass and protect it from wear and tear.
How To Prepare
Mix 3 scoops of BSN True-Mass 1200 protein powder with 6 fl.oz. of water, milk, or any other healthy beverage. Shake it well.
When To Drink
Drink it between meals or as a post-workout drink.Â
Pros
- Delicious taste
- Easy to digest
- Available in different flavors
Cons
- Not suitable for people with lactose intoleranceÂ
9. Great Lakes Gelatin Co. Collagen Hydrolysate
Great Lakes Gelatin Co. Collagen Hydrolysate is made of hydrolyzed collagen and a combination of amino acids. It contains 45 kcal of energy, 11 g of protein, and 12 g of collagen hydrolysate per serving. It not only improves post-workout recovery but also supports joint health and promotes healthy skin and hair.
How To Prepare
Mix two scoops (12 g) of this collagen hydrolysate powder mix with any beverage like tea, coffee, juice, or smoothie.
When To Drink
You can drink this protein shake between meals two times a day.
Pros
- Derived from grass-fed and pasture-raised animals
- Keto-certified
- Paleo-friendly
- Gluten-free
- Kosher
- Non-GMO
Cons
- Low-calorie formula
10. MuscleTech Nitro Tech Whey Isolate Lean Muscle Builder
MuscleTech Nitro Tech Whey Isolate Lean Muscle Builder is a scientifically engineered whey protein formula that is enhanced with creatine for better muscle gain. It is formulated with 30 g of whey isolates and peptides, 3 g of creatine, 6.9 g of branched-chain amino acids, and 5.9 g of glutamine per serving for improved muscle recovery, performance, and strength. It is a low-calorie formula with only 4 g of carbs and not more than 2.5 g of fat per scoop.
How To Prepare
Add 1 scoop of this protein powder to 6 oz. of water or skim milk and shake well in a shaker until it dissolves completely.
When To Drink
Take this weight-gain shake between meals or before or after a workout.
Pros
- Helps build more muscle mass
- Easy to digest
- Tested for quality and purity
- Less fat, carbs, and lactose
Cons
- Not suitable for people with lactose intolerance
11. Optimum Nutrition (ON) Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder
Optimum Nutrition (ON) Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder is a natural sugar-containing low-calorie, low-carb, low-fat, and high-protein whey supplement for strengthening muscle mass. Its main ingredient is whey protein, which is responsible for building and maintaining muscle strength.
It is a blend of whey protein isolates, whey protein concentrate, and whey peptides. It also contains 4 g of glutamine and glutamic acid per serving along with 5 g of naturally occurring branched-chain amino acids – leucine, isoleucine, and valine – in each serving.
How To Prepare
Mix 1 scoop (32 g) of this protein supplement in 6-8 fl.oz. of water, milk, or other beverage of your choice.
When To Drink
Drink it 30-60 minutes after a workout or enjoy it as a snack in your balanced high-protein diet regimen.
Pros
- Available in different flavors
- Gluten-free
- Low-calorie supplement
Cons
- Contains soy
- Not suitable for people with lactose intolerance
12. Naked Pea 100% Premium Protein Isolate
Naked Pea 100% Premium Protein Isolate is a 100 % vegetarian made by extracting pea protein from yellow split peas. It contains 27 g of protein, 5.7 g of branched-chain amino acids, 9 essential amino acids, 2 g of carbs, and 2 g sugar along with 12 kcal of energy per serving to support muscle growth and recovery.
It is an excellent protein supplement, especially for vegetarians and people with lactose intolerance.
How To Prepare
Add 2 scoops of this protein isolate powder to 6-10 oz. of water or any other beverage and mix well for about 30-40 seconds.
When To Drink
Take this weight-gain shake between meals.
Pros
- 100% vegan
- Gluten-free
- Suitable for people with lactose intolerance
Cons
- Possible side effects not listed
You may be familiar with store-bought protein powders. But, have you ever wondered if you can make protein shakes with natural ingredients? Find out more in the next section.
Homemade Protein Shakes For Weight Gain
Homemade protein shakes are made from all-natural sources of protein that are essential to building your muscles.
If you do not want to consume commercial protein shakes, you can make your own protein shakes easily at home as a pre- or post-workout drink. Follow these recipes to get better results.
Conclusion
Protein is essential for building muscles and improving muscle recovery. Commercial protein shakes contain concentrated whey, casein, or pea protein that is important to boost muscle mass and weight gain.
Consult your doctor or nutritionist to figure out the best protein supplement for your needs. You may also consult a fitness trainer to plan out the best exercise routine to build muscles.
Expert’s Answers for Readers Questions
Do protein shakes make you fat?
No, protein shakes help you build muscle strength and recover from muscle wear and tear. You need to combine them with proper exercise training.
Are weight-gain shakes healthy?
Yes, weight-gain shakes are healthy when taken in combination with a regular exercise routine. You also need to eat a balanced diet to gain weight the healthy way.
1 sources
- Volek, Jeff S et al. “Whey protein supplementation during resistance training augments lean body mass.â€Â Journal of the American College of Nutritionvol. 32,2 (2013): 122-35. doi:10.1080/07315724.2013.793580
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24015719/